Accessibility at Our Events

Rochester Public Music events take place in parks, schools, theatres, and other public spaces. Each site is different, and access conditions may vary by location.

Use this page to plan ahead, find captioning information, and know how to contact us with access questions before an event.

For formal accommodation requests, please use the City of Rochester Reasonable Accommodations Form.

Rochester Public Music events take place in a variety of public spaces, including parks, schools, theatres, and outdoor venues. Paths, seating areas, parking, restrooms, and terrain may vary by location.

At most large outdoor events, guests can expect:

  • Accessible pathways from nearby public parking areas, when available
  • Accessible restroom options, which may include portable restrooms or indoor restrooms depending on the site
  • Open space for seating and movement
  • Staff onsite to help with directions, questions, or support

Many outdoor events are on grass, and terrain may include uneven ground. Hard surface seating areas are not always available. If you have mobility concerns, we encourage you to review event specific details or contact Rochester Public Music before attending.

For a formal accommodation request, please use the City of Rochester Reasonable Accommodations Form.

We are working to improve access and appreciate your feedback as we plan future upgrades.

CART captioning is available at all public Riverside, FORWARD, and Sound School concerts.

CART provides real-time captions that you can view on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the event. Captions are streamed live and can be accessed by scanning the QR code posted near the event stage or visiting the Public Music real-time captioning page.

Bring a device with internet access if you would like to follow along with captions.

If you need help connecting or navigating the captioning system, staff at the Public Music tent can assist.

Public Music events often include amplified sound, live music, large crowds, and outdoor activity. We do not currently offer designated sensory-friendly zones or quiet areas, but guests are welcome to move around, step away, take breaks, and return when ready.

If you or someone in your group is sensitive to noise, movement, or crowd size, you may want to plan ahead.

Things to consider:

  • Arrive early, when the space is usually quieter and less crowded
  • Bring ear protection or noise-dampening headphones
  • Choose a seating spot near the edge of the crowd or farther from speakers
  • Talk with staff at the Public Music tent if you need help finding a lower-sensory spot

Our events are flexible and self-paced. You are welcome to make the experience work for you.

If you would like to talk through what to expect before attending, contact Rochester Public Music.

Most Rochester Public Music events are free and open to the public, including the Riverside Music Series, FORWARD Park Concerts and Passport Sessions.. No tickets or registration are required for these events.

Some special events, such as Sound School public concerts, may require tickets. When tickets are required, details about pricing and how to get tickets will be shared before the event.

If cost or ticket access is a concern, contact us before the event. We want Public Music events to be as accessible as possible.

Email: publicmusic@rochestermn.gov
Phone: 507-328-2200

Questions & Access Requests

Have a question about accessibility at a Rochester Public Music event? Contact us before the event so we can help you plan.

For formal accommodation requests, please use the City of Rochester Reasonable Accommodations Form. This helps route your request through the City’s standard process.

For event-specific questions about parking, seating, captioning, restrooms, or what to expect onsite, you can also contact Rochester Public Music directly.

Email: publicmusic@rochestermn.gov
Phone: 507-328-2200

If you are requesting an accommodation, we recommend reaching out at least five business days before the event when possible. This gives staff time to review the request and coordinate support.

For more information about the City’s accessibility policies and resources, visit the City of Rochester Accessibility page.

Contact Us

City of Rochester

201 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904

PHONE: 507-328-2311
FAX: 507-328-2901

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